Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transsexual talk => Female to male transsexual talk (FTM) => Topic started by: kesenaie on December 18, 2011, 03:20:51 PM

Title: The FTM Online Shopping List
Post by: kesenaie on December 18, 2011, 03:20:51 PM
QuoteIt's probably OK.
Make sure it isn't spam ie make sure you don't advertise stuff
Cindy

This is an online shopping list, intended to be a handy list of shops to visit when you wish to buy boy/male clothing, but don't dare to do it in an actual store, or they just don't have your size.
They should all be reliable! If you want to add a store to the list, leave a post and maybe a comment ^^
I hope this isn't too spammy - I only intend it to be a list, and not a thread to talk about how great a store is!
Btw, thrift stores and auction sites are nice to check too.

Hope this is of any use to you. Didn't want to post it in the Fashion section as it is dominated by MTFs.
Some information comes from Hudson's guide (http://www.ftmguide.org/shortmensclothes.html), but there were some broken links.

Cheap
Aeropostale (http://www.aeropostale.com/) - has a kids section if you need smaller sizes
Forever21 (http://www.forever21.com/EU/Product/Index.aspx?br=21men)
Hanes (http://www.hanes.com/) - basics.
H&M (http://www.hm.com/us/) - sometimes has items in XS
Itailor (http://www.itailor.com) - this is an online 'tailored' shirt site. You put in your own measurements and you get a shirt. Quality is normal, nice if you need a shirt. 
PLNDR (http://www.plndr.com/plndr/MembersOnly/Login.aspx?r=2355424) - members only, has huge discounts. Not so many small sizes. It's invite only.
Pull & Bear (http://www.pullandbear.com) - EU and Asia only.
River Island (http://www.riverisland.com/) - somewhat more mature style for boys section. Sometimes also has the same stuff as adult things, but in smaller sizes.
Threadless (http://www.threadless.com/) - printed tees in both adult and boys (lil' guys) sizes.

Medium
Abercrombie (http://www.abercrombie.com) - also has a kids section, with the same stuff as the adult site.
Cabelas (http://www.cabelas.com/)
Gap (http://www.gap.com) - boys go to XL, and men's start at XS.
Hot Topic (http://www.hottopic.com/) - has small sizes.
Lands' End (http://www.landsend.com/) - high quality, hem for free (I assume as long as you buy it there ;))
Urban Outfitters (http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/index.jsp) - many different brands and prices.
Yesstyle (http://www.yesstyle.com) - Asian store with ranging prices (quality differs, stuff can shrink a lot :P).
Zara (http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/category/us/en/zara-us-W2011/128501/Man) - again, if you're smaller, there are boys clothes. The boy's clothes are really big compared to other brands.

Expensive
A.P.C. (http://usonline.apc.fr/colorama/men) - jeans start at size 27 in waist.
American Apparel (http://www.americanapparelstore.com/) - prices really differ, but most seem to be pretty high. Sizes start at XS.
Blue Owl (http://blueowl.us/) - luxurious 'worker'/technical clothing. Jeans start at small sizes.
J.Crew (http://www.jcrew.com/index.jsp) - trendy clothes.
dress-for-less (http://www.dress-for-less.com/) - EU and Asia only.
Jimmy Au (http://www.jimmyaus.com/jimmyaus/) - Formal wear for men under 5'8".
Levi's (http://www.levi.com) - you can get Levi's from other sites, but the stock at their own site has jeans starting at 27" waist.
Nudie Jeans (http://www.nudiejeans.com) - Careful: some on this site are dry jeans! (http://www.denimblog.com/2009/01/dry-raw-denim-on-denim-blog) This one has different fits in different sizes. Some models start at waist 24, going all the way to 38. Shortest length is 28".
L.L.Bean (http://www.llbean.com/) - good winter clothes.
Short Men's Sizes (http://shop.shortmenssizes.com/) - pretty self-explanatory.
Topman (http://www.topman.com) - Medium if you live in EU. Sizes start at XS.
Yoox (http://www.yoox.com/us/men) - designer outlet. Though when sale hits, usually 50% goes off. Imo good for some more unusual, smaller size shoes.

Shoes
Flatspot (http://www.flatspot.com/) - skater and streetwear, usually has a stock of smaller sizes too. (starting at US 5.5 or 6, usually.)
Kickz (http://www.kickz.com/en/) - starts at US 4.5, in a small amount of men's shoes. Only really recommend this for EU people, since the shipping to US is expensive.
Pickyourshoes (http://www.pickyourshoes.com/) - lots of sizes, even smaller ones. Be careful, this is the only trustworthy 'pickyourshoes', the rest are scam sites.
Portee Goods (http://shop.porteegoodshoes.com/) - custom made formal/dress shoes, also made in smaller sizes (starting at 38 mens, 36 female).
Sneakers n' Stuff (http://www.sneakersnstuff.com/) - starts at US 3.5 in men's/unisex sizes.
Zappos (http://www.zappos.com/) - loads of shoes, different widths/sizes.

Accessories
Warby Parker (http://www.warbyparker.com/) - Glasses

Binders etc.
Double (http://en.mydouble.net/) - binders
FTM Underworks (http://ftm.underworks.com/) - binders and swimsuits
Peecock Products (http://www.peecockproducts.com/) - binders and packers
T-Kingdom (http://t-kingdom.com/) - binders

Some tips:
If you like sneakers and your size is below US 7 in mens, try looking for gradeschool (GS) versions. It's the same shoe, perhaps missing some details since it's smaller, but that's all. Don't worry about small sizes. I know guys who have US 6.5 and they don't care about what it looks like. They only care a bit when they can't get a shoe they like. I also know someone who has a whopping US 16, he hates it.

If jeans are too long, you can try to cut off the bottom and stitch it together at the proper length. Other brands make any waist size there is, with an inseam of 39 inches (so you can get them tailored to fit how you want them). If the waist fits you perfectly, but it's too long/wide at the legs, you can get it tailored. Fixing the waist is a lot harder. If you want to order online, measure your waist, or your favourite pair of jeans' waist, and compare them to the measurements on the site. How to measure jeans. (http://blueingreensoho.com/site/index.php?Itemid=41&id=30&option=com_content&task=view)

I'd advise saving up for tailored suits, if you want a suit. They look better than suits from the rack. If it's your first one, it doesn't have to be made of super-expensive materials ;) they also know what fits you best.
Title: Re: The FTM Online Shopping List
Post by: Nygeel on December 18, 2011, 04:44:26 PM
:( I don't fit any off the rack sites listed.
Title: Re: The FTM Online Shopping List
Post by: kesenaie on December 19, 2011, 05:50:26 AM
Updated the list.
Nygeel, can you post or pm your size? I can look for stores that sell it :)
Title: Re: The FTM Online Shopping List
Post by: Ayden on December 19, 2011, 02:03:04 PM
While it is actually a site for cosplayers, milanoo.com is great. I found men's jeans that fit me perfectly. I have a hard time fitting into the jeans at the store, but since it is a site that is run primarily by Chinese taylors, they tend to make the jeans short (they go off a different sizing system). So I was able to get a pair of jeans that are just a little smaller than 36/30s for pretty cheap. It takes a while, but if you are a guy like me and just can't find pants that fit the waist and legs (legs were always way too long) it might be useful to look at. If anything, it gives a good idea of how to measure yourself to find jeans online, since it is for cosplayers.

Shirt sizing it off, though, as a warning.
Title: Re: The FTM Online Shopping List
Post by: kesenaie on December 19, 2011, 02:08:12 PM
disregard this :P
Milanoo removed for now since it seems unreliable.
Title: Re: The FTM Online Shopping List
Post by: Ayden on December 19, 2011, 02:13:13 PM
I get impatient and never end up with them being even. Once I did just that and was super proud, only to put them on and look down to see about four inches of difference. Still don't how I managed that one. My first thought was "Oh man, now I look like Huckleberry Fin... just can't get away from my redneck heritage!"   :laugh:
Title: Re: The FTM Online Shopping List
Post by: kesenaie on December 19, 2011, 02:18:54 PM
Ah.. I googled Milanoo, and there are a bunch of negative reviews on that site. Have you ordered from them yourself? don't really want to link to an unreliable site :/
and all the reviews on their site appear to have been written by themselves.
Title: Re: The FTM Online Shopping List
Post by: Nygeel on December 19, 2011, 02:26:25 PM
I just got a sewing machine. Totally not helpful. I have vests I should alter...cutting the armpits closer and taking it in at the shoulder. Still gonna look off, sadly.
Title: Re: The FTM Online Shopping List
Post by: EthanD on December 19, 2011, 02:55:16 PM
I use Lands End a lot. They have high quality boys blazers and other items and they hem pants for free to the 1/4 inch. They always have sales and coupon codes for a percentage off or free shipping. Also places like Men's Wearhouse and Jos A Bank stock a lot of small sizes and will tailor for a fee.   
Title: Re: The FTM Online Shopping List
Post by: Ayden on December 20, 2011, 11:56:14 AM
Quote from: Nezhi on December 19, 2011, 02:18:54 PM
Ah.. I googled Milanoo, and there are a bunch of negative reviews on that site. Have you ordered from them yourself? don't really want to link to an unreliable site :/
and all the reviews on their site appear to have been written by themselves.

I have never had a problem with them. The jeans I got fit perfectly. I would not order shirts from them though, because they are tailored to fit thin Asian guys and despite having girly shoulders the shirts are too narrow to wear and pass. I would say don't link to them if you are unsure though. I cosplay so I know how to measure myself, and I have a very limited grasp of Chinese, which probably helps when ordering. But, the measuring guide is pretty awesome and I have found that it works better than the ones on Ebay, but it might just be that my funky brain understands their instructions better.

As for the reviews, the ones for the men's jeans are pretty positive. I have read some not so stellar reviews, but I have ordered Halloween costumes in the past and been impressed. I took the chance on three $8 pairs of pants, and they fit better than anything else I have gotten so far. I can't really shop at the nicer online stores, since I am a cheap (read: REALLY CHEAP) guy. :P
Title: Re: The FTM Online Shopping List
Post by: Henri on December 20, 2011, 12:54:09 PM
I have been shopping at an Asian site called yesstyle (www.yesstyle.com (http://www.yesstyle.com)) for a few times now and I love their pants (amongst other things, but particularly their pants). They have all ranges of clothing types and their jeans are fairly short in length. Brands that I find have good quality for the price are "nanom," "seventyage," and "black asuka." They also have a wide range of prices. Some brands can get pretty expensive if you're into really fancy stuff but you can search by price level or for things on sale (which is what I do). I got a pair of these ridiculously comfy "skinny" cargo pants for about $25 from the nanom brand, which I thought was pretty cool. It is best to order a bunch of things from there at the same time because if your order totals over $150 they give you free express shipping (it might only be in the USA but I am not positive). Just thought I'd mention it since I've been happy with it so far, and since the pants run short (I am about 5'4") I thought some of you might be interested.
Title: Re: The FTM Online Shopping List
Post by: kesenaie on December 20, 2011, 02:24:37 PM
I know Yesstyle too, and so it has been added!

I like how the stuff looks (I bought a hoodie), but on the inside it looks kinda cheap... messy seams etc, but on the outside it looks okay. :)
Title: Re: The FTM Online Shopping List
Post by: Mr.Rainey on December 21, 2011, 04:17:13 AM
Sears has work boots for small dudes. I got some nice steel toe ones.
Title: Re: The FTM Online Shopping List
Post by: Nygeel on December 21, 2011, 12:47:48 PM
Jeans on the Asian sites posted seem like they're all very narrow, and length measurements aren't listed. Any ideas on how slim things are and what lengths end up being?
Title: Re: The FTM Online Shopping List
Post by: kesenaie on December 21, 2011, 02:25:37 PM
Yesstyle has measurements
(S): Waist 76cm, Waist to Crotch 21.5cm, Thigh 48cm, Hem 30cm, Total Length 104cm
(M): Waist 79cm, Waist to Crotch 22cm, Thigh 50cm, Hem 34cm, Total Length 105cm
(L): Waist 84cm, Waist to Crotch 22.5cm, Thigh 52cm, Hem 38cm, Total Length 106cm
for slim ones, with a variance in 1-2cm possible

And straight/regular
M Waist: 78cm, Hips: 100cm, Thigh: 23cm,
Total Length: 108cm, Crotch: 24cm, Hem: 17cm
L Waist: 82cm, Hips: 104cm, Thigh: 24cm,
Total Length: 110cm, Crotch: 25cm, Hem: 18cm
XL Waist: 86cm, Hips: 108cm, Thigh: 25cm,
Total Length: 112cm, Crotch: 26cm, Hem: 19cm

Most of them have sizes for me.
Title: Re: The FTM Online Shopping List
Post by: Nygeel on December 21, 2011, 03:26:13 PM
The XL is about a men's 33. That's running very small.
Title: Re: The FTM Online Shopping List
Post by: kesenaie on December 21, 2011, 03:29:07 PM
There are some brands that have a 36", it all depends on the brand on how they label/describe their stuff I think.
Title: Re: The FTM Online Shopping List
Post by: Nygeel on December 21, 2011, 03:35:28 PM
Quote from: Nezhi on December 21, 2011, 03:29:07 PM
There are some brands that have a 36", it all depends on the brand on how they label/describe their stuff I think.

I know, it's just still really way too small.
Title: Re: The FTM Online Shopping List
Post by: Felix on December 21, 2011, 03:36:10 PM
I love ebay and Amazon. It takes a bit of extra research to decide what you want before heading there, but the prices are pure win. And getting used stuff is always good.
Title: Re: The FTM Online Shopping List
Post by: Darrin Scott on December 22, 2011, 02:01:20 PM
Also, if you're able to get to an actual store, try like a Ross or Marmarshalls or TJ Maxx. If anyone knows of any online stores with these kinds of prices let me know.

I second Ebay and Amazon for everything.....
Title: Re: The FTM Online Shopping List
Post by: Felix on December 23, 2011, 05:48:54 PM
I want to mention http://www.zennioptical.com/ (http://www.zennioptical.com/) for glasses. People both here and irl have told me about them. For brick and mortar places, the hands down cheapest I could find was America's Best. http://www.twopair.com/ (http://www.twopair.com/)

Also, http://www.retailmenot.com/ (http://www.retailmenot.com/) is good for discounts.
Title: Re: The FTM Online Shopping List
Post by: Darrin Scott on December 23, 2011, 06:46:55 PM
Warby Parker does hipster looking glasses for like $99 or so.

http://www.warbyparker.com/ (http://www.warbyparker.com/)
Title: Re: The FTM Online Shopping List
Post by: kesenaie on December 29, 2011, 03:24:59 PM
I've updated the list, added some things :)
Title: Re: The FTM Online Shopping List
Post by: Mister on December 30, 2011, 05:01:49 AM
Quote from: Nygeel on December 21, 2011, 03:35:28 PM
I know, it's just still really way too small.

What size do you need?
Title: Re: The FTM Online Shopping List
Post by: Nygeel on December 30, 2011, 07:14:16 AM
Quote from: Mister on December 30, 2011, 05:01:49 AM
What size do you need?
My waist measure last time I checked was 40. Length 26. In jeans I can be anywhere between a 33-40 in the waist.

For shirts I'm a "standard fit" 16.5 (ish, depending on the company) and 30...maybe 31 length.
Title: Re: The FTM Online Shopping List
Post by: Mister on December 30, 2011, 10:38:14 AM
Quote from: Nygeel on December 30, 2011, 07:14:16 AM
My waist measure last time I checked was 40. Length 26. In jeans I can be anywhere between a 33-40 in the waist.

For shirts I'm a "standard fit" 16.5 (ish, depending on the company) and 30...maybe 31 length.

try old navy's website, though i find it very hard to believe you won't have to get your pants altered in some way.
Title: Re: The FTM Online Shopping List
Post by: kesenaie on December 30, 2011, 11:49:31 AM
Wow, thanks for the sticky, whoever did it ^^
Title: Re: The FTM Online Shopping List
Post by: Nygeel on December 30, 2011, 12:01:16 PM
Quote from: Mister on December 30, 2011, 10:38:14 AM
try old navy's website, though i find it very hard to believe you won't have to get your pants altered in some way.
Old Navy shirts aren't offered in collar size/sleeve length. Their shortest length is a 28, which really isn't a 28. Plus, I get panic attacks inside Old Navy, Gap, or Banana Republic. Not a good time.
Title: Re: The FTM Online Shopping List
Post by: kesenaie on December 30, 2011, 02:16:37 PM
A tip I found on tumblr

QuoteUSA short guys shopping for jeans-- The Buckle hems for free. Guy wanting the 38x28 -- you could get that done. And it's great work at all the places I've gone. This is the main reason I shop there.
Title: Re: The FTM Online Shopping List
Post by: Mister on December 30, 2011, 04:05:47 PM
I was talking about old navy for your abnormal pant size. 
Title: Re: The FTM Online Shopping List
Post by: Nygeel on December 30, 2011, 04:15:39 PM
Quote from: Mister on December 30, 2011, 04:05:47 PM
I was talking about old navy for your abnormal pant size.

That was my comment on length. Shortest is 28 which is really more like a 30/32.
Title: Re: The FTM Online Shopping List
Post by: Mister on December 30, 2011, 04:26:26 PM
Quote from: Nygeel on December 30, 2011, 04:15:39 PM
That was my comment on length. Shortest is 28 which is really more like a 30/32.

Well then apparently you need a tailor and some benzos.
Title: Re: The FTM Online Shopping List
Post by: Darrin Scott on December 30, 2011, 10:05:01 PM
Does anyone know how to hem themselves? It's not that difficult and can be done with a basic sewing kit. Plus, it saves money.
Title: Re: The FTM Online Shopping List
Post by: Sharky on December 30, 2011, 10:39:14 PM
You don't need to hem. Get Style Snaps!
https://www.buystylesnaps.com/ (https://www.buystylesnaps.com/)

Saw a commercial for it the other day. Never tried them since I don't care if my pants are a little long. 28s are perfect 30s are wearable and they always have 30s.
Title: Re: The FTM Online Shopping List
Post by: kesenaie on December 31, 2011, 08:57:03 AM
Just cuff your pants.
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fphashionablylate.files.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fj-crew-main.jpg&hash=e2a1d44872e562ff911efca197e2d5f4ead4b500)

I know people who simply cut off the bottom of the jeans and restitch.
There's easy vids on youtube explaining how to do it properly.
But seriously, if the only problem is length, you should just cut it off and stitch it, or ask family if they can do it :S
Title: Re: The FTM Online Shopping List
Post by: Hayzer12 on January 10, 2012, 04:26:34 AM
I shop at Karmaloop a lot, but that's because I'm a rep (it's Plndrs sister site). This site has bigger size pants. I ordered 44x30 for a buddy of mine a few months back. You're more likely to find bigger sizes in NON kazbah items, and if you want a 20 percent discount you can always PM me. XD

Oh and Urban outfitters

I just wanted to comment though on the length issues(I looked, and I didn't see where it had been said). For you shorter guys with bigger waists - try cuffing your pants without the need to hem them. I can't sew for jack shiz, so I can understand frustrations lol. Cuffing to me looks good if you have the right pants. I wear a 32 length pant, so I don't really have issues, but I still cuff my jeans. I like it.
Title: Re: The FTM Online Shopping List
Post by: Felix on March 17, 2012, 02:58:10 AM
Quote from: Mister on December 30, 2011, 04:05:47 PM
I was talking about old navy for your abnormal pant size.
I've been directed to old navy by friends who are shaped like I am. Tbh I don't buy things there, and they do seem to assign sizes to their clothes in a weird way, but last I checked they had pants that fit me. I have a very wide pelvis even for a female-bodied person (though without the hips/thighs), and short legs, so finding anything that comes near fitting has been hard for me in any department.

I'm lazy and I tend to just cuff my pants. Sometimes I cut them but I almost never bother to hem them if they aren't fraying. That may change though. I used to never look in mirrors, and now I do.

If I could look like that "Phashionably Late" guy I'd be pretty happy about it.